It may have been four years ago, but the 2022 World Cup Final still lives clearly in the memory of many football fans. The breathless 3-3 draw, full of countless thrills and spills, eventually went the way of Argentina following a 4-2 win via penalties.
It was ecstasy for the White and Sky Blue, winning their first World Cup in 36 years. But France’s agonising loss represented a unique type of pain. France came extremely close to achieving a rare feat in football: becoming back-to-back World Cup winners.
France’s current team represent a similar golden generation of stars, but they also back up the theory that consecutive World Cups are extremely hard to come by.
But which teams have managed to win back-to-back World Cups, when did they do it, and who played the leading roles in their historic triumphs?
Italy
1934 World Cup and 1938 World Cup
REUTERS
The Azzurri may have fallen on hard times as of late, but football fans know that a rich record of success precedes the current crop of Italian players. And chief among them are the 1934 and 1938 squads.
Italy lifted the World Cup for the very first time in perfect fashion. Participating in their first World Cup, they bested Czechoslovakia on Italian soil, allowing Gli Azzurri to celebrate their first major trophy in front of their home fans. But the incredible victory was only the first chapter of an incredible period of dominance.
Aiming to retain their title, the Italians headed to France amidst a deadly vein of form. Led by legendary coach Vittorio Pozzo, and orchestrated by the prolific Giuseppe Meazza in attack, their second consecutive World Cup victory was in the middle of a near-30 match unbeaten streak from 1935 to 1939.
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Italy overcame Norway, Brazil, and France at the 1938 World Cup, meeting Hungary in the final. Meazza played a starring role, setting up three of the four goals, as Italy won 4-2.
During their unbeaten streak, Italy also captured the Central European International Cup, the precursor to the European Championships, between each of their World Cup wins, as well as Olympic gold in 1936.
Italy’s hopes of winning an unprecedented third consecutive World Cup were dashed by the outbreak of World War II. When the next World Cup was held in 1950, Italy were eliminated in the group stage.
Producing the likes of Paolo Maldini, Roberto Baggio, and Andrea Pirlo, Italy has long been a high-yielding talent factory.
Brazil
1958 World Cup and 1962 World Cup
Brazil are synonymous with international football, so it is no surprise to see them holding onto a piece of rare sporting history. Brazil found success in Scandinavia in 1958, with the 17-year-old Pele, Nilton Santos, Garrincha, and Vava starring in Sweden.
After emerging from the group stage, Brazil beat Wales and notably overcame France, ending any chance of Just Fontaine adding a winner’s medal to his record 13-goal World Cup haul. A Seleção met hosts Sweden in the final, winning 5-2 to break the home crowd’s hearts.
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Brazil’s second consecutive World Cup win was all the more impressive considering the adversity they faced. The South American side lost the talismanic Pele early on in the tournament through injury.
But the imperious Brazilian squad stepped up in his absence. Once again, Garrincha and Vava starred, sharing the Golden Boot with four other players. Botafogo striker Amarildo also made his presence known, contributing three goals — including one in the final, where they beat Czechoslovakia 3-1.
But the push for the historic three-in-a-row was over before it ever really got going. Arriving in England in 1966, Brazil won only one of their group stage matches, falling at the first hurdle. Losses to Hungary and Portugal condemned the holders to their first group stage exit in over 30 years. They did, however, win again in 1970, meaning they won three out of four World Cups during that 12-year period.
Teams Who Came Close
REUTERS
France won 2018, lost 2022
France were the darlings of the international stage with their 2018 triumph, beating Argentina on the way to World Cup glory. Croatia provided the unlikely protagonists in the final, but France’s incredible firepower proved too much, with Antoine Griezmann, Paul Pogba, and Kylian Mbappé securing the win following Mario Mandzukic’s opening own goal.
As a team full of confidence, even a Lionel Messi-led Argentina would’ve felt like underdogs heading into the 2022 final against this impressive French team. But they were a match, and eventual conquerors of a team on the edge of history and at the peak of their powers.
But France may be buoyed by another piece of rarely repeated history. A third consecutive World Cup final in 2026, regardless of the result, would see them join two legendary international teams in the record books. Firstly, West Germany’s 1982-1990 squad. And secondly, Brazil’s 1994-2002 squad, spearheaded by Cafu, the only man to have featured in three World Cup finals.
The World Cup has plenty of records, with several players having the honour of featuring in several tournaments.
Brazil won in 1994, lost in 1998, won in 2002
As noted, the Brazil team of the 1990s into the 2000s was one of the greatest World Cup competitors of all time and they went close to repeating the feat of their 1950s and ’60s forebears. Having clinched their first world title in 24 years when they won in the USA in 1994, Brazil reached the final again in 1998. Despite being heavy favourites, it was the host nation France who triumphed on the day, with controversy surrounding the wellbeing of Ronaldo clouding the occasion. The Selecao put those painful memories to bed four years later by winning the 2002 edition.
West Germany lost 1982 and 1986, won 1990
West Germany’s impressive 1980s side lost in back-to-back finals in 1982 and 1986. After losing 3-1 in the final to Italy in 1982, West German hearts were broken once more by a Diego Maradona-starring Argentina side in 1986. After fighting back from 2-0 down, West Germany conceded the winner with seven minutes to go to finish runners-up once again.
But never a team to give up, they did eventually put their World Cup ghosts to rest in 1990. West Germany got revenge for 1986, beating Argentina in a repeat of the previous final. In a heated match that saw two Argentinian players sent off, West Germany’s Andreas Brehme decided the fixture with a successful penalty in the 85th minute. It was the game’s only goal.
The Netherlands’ “Total Football” era was in full swing, resulting in an impressive run to the final in 1974. And after taking the lead through a Johan Neeskens penalty, they relinquished the lead to goals from Paul Breitner and legendary striker Gerd Müller.
Fast-forward to 1978, and the Netherlands were in similar territory. Another final, another heartbreak at the hands of a legendary striker. This time the Flying Dutchmen were brought back to earth by Argentina’s Mario Kempes. The striker secured an emphatic Golden Boot with two goals in a final that needed extra time to find a winner.
Arsenal are facing a fight to keep hold of defender Piero Hincapie, as ESPN reports that Real Madrid have made enquiries about signing the Ecuadorian international this summer.
However, with centre-back problems lurking in the background for the Spanish giants, they are back shopping in the Premier League, and are looking to swipe a star from the Gunners.
Real Madrid Want Piero Hincapie
After failing in an attempt to sign Calafiori, Real Madrid are looking at Arsenal star Hincapie, as ESPN reports that enquiries have been made over a deal.
It comes as Los Blancos want a left-footed centre-back, with moves elsewhere in the backline set to free up a space for the position this summer.
Any deal looks difficult, however, as Arsenal are set to make Hincapie’s loan from Bayer Leverkusen permanent this summer with a £45 million clause in his deal.
That’s not to say a move isn’t possible, but the Gunners would likely be hesitant to let the 24-year-old leave without at least banking a significant profit on a switch to a Champions League rival.
Having already sounded out Hincapie, the report adds that Real Madrid have also enquired about Ruben Dias, Alessandro Bastoni, and Nico Schlotterbeck – though the latter is now unlikely to move due to an injury sustained at the World Cup with Germany.
In all, it means Arsenal could face a potential battle in keeping the versatile defender, but have all the cards in their hand to keep him if they so wish.
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What Mikel Arteta has said about Hincapie
Hincapie wasn’t always a guaranteed started for Arsenal over the course of the previous season, but he did play a large role in the team finally winning the Premier League.
The defender was a reliable option, especially when injuries struck in the backline, adding plenty of pace and physicality at full-back in particular.
“When I spoke to Xabi just before we were going to sign him, I said if you have to describe him in one word, what would you use, and he said, ‘He’s a warrior,'” Arteta said in March to TNT Sports.
Arsenal continue to be linked with potential forward options in the market, but face a battle to land one key target.
“He will play through brick walls for you and he’s one of the most competitive players that I have had. He’s come into the Premier League after surgery and a difficult start without a pre-season, and when you see him around his team-mates and competing on the pitch, it’s like he’s been here for 10 years.
“He has an aura, a charisma – a really special character.”
It shows exactly what Arteta thinks of Hincapie, and perhaps further underlines how tough it may be for Real Madrid to tempt a move this summer.
One England player chose not to shake Thomas Partey’s hand before the Three Lions faced Ghana in their second World Cup game in Boston on Tuesday night.
The Ghanaian midfielder, previously of Arsenal, is currently facing allegations that include seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving four different women, as per The Mirror.
These incidents are alleged to have taken place between 2020 and 2022, with investigations taking place while he was still plying his trade in the Premier League.
England have been urged to change their national anthem for football matches, and ditch ‘God Save the King’.
England Player Refuses Thomas Partey’s Handshake Before World Cup Tie
Cody Grubbs (Sipa USA via Reuters)
Heading into the clash, the English FA’s stance was that the players could make their own decision on whether or not to embrace Partey following the national anthems being played.
In Djed Spence’s case, the Tottenham defender chose to keep his arms by his side as his former north London adversary walked past him. Watch the incident below:
The 2026 World Cup has brought national anthems into the spotlight as the pre-game routine has seen everyone get involved in belting out their country’s chosen tune.
England players stand together and sing the words to ‘God Save the King’ before matches. While the song about the Royal Family technically isn’t the ‘national anthem’, it’s effectively treated as one. But that doesn’t mean it’s popular.
Three Lions Urged Into Pre-Match Anthem Change
Cody Grubbs (Sipa USA via Reuters)
In fact, a poll carried out by Express Sport has suggested the majority of English supporters would rather not be subjected to the anthem before they watch their country play. When asked to vote on whether ‘God Save the King’ should be replaced, a staggering 55% believe it should.
Out of the 4,000 voters, 1,902 were in the camp that believed the tune shouldn’t be scrapped, with the remainder wanting change. Of those who are in favour of replacing the pre-match song, 15% think it should be substituted for ‘I Vow To Thee My Country’.
Another 40% chose ‘Jerusalem’ by Sir Hubert Parry and Sir Edward Elgar. However, the majority (44%) went for a song written in 1901 and used at the Commonwealth Games until 2010. That is, of course, ‘Land Of Hope And Glory’.
So there’s a fairly even split between the potential replacements, but most people appear to want to see the back of the current anthem. Thomas Tuchel, on the other hand, wants Oasis’ Wonderwall to be his team’s post-match song.
Why Thomas Tuchel Doesn’t Sing the National Anthem
Tuchel is unlike those asking for change, as the German boss has already labelled it ‘a very powerful, emotional and meaningful national anthem’. Speaking in March 2025, he stated:
“I think, first of all, you have a very powerful, emotional and meaningful national anthem and I could not be more proud to be on the sidelines and be in charge of the English national team.”
But you won’t catch Tuchel belting out the anthem before England matches, for the time being at least. Instead, the ex-Chelsea boss feels he should earn that right.
England have a long list of songs and chants, all of which will be sung at major tournaments. Check out our guide for the complete songbook.
When asked why he doesn’t join in, he said: “It means everything. It means a lot to me, I can assure you, but I can feel because it is that meaningful and it is that emotional and it is so powerful, the national anthem, that I have to earn my right to sing it.”
